Mornin' Brawniest!

I think my alternator died. Last night I heard a low whining noise and it was constant. Then right before I turned the car off the lights flickered and got dim. Over the last year I heard that same noise but a little louder but it was rare. Also, I want to be sure it's the alternator so please help troubleshoot.

I need to fix this pronto aka today because I have to be to work by 4pm.

Please tell me where it is located in this picture.
Thanks!

 

What you have pictured is your A/C compressor.

 

Please tell me where to look. I was told that it's under the fan belt.

 

Below the AC Compressor.

 

Ok, can I easily access it under the car and how long should this take? I do all of the work on my jeep. Thanks.

 

 

Might be as simple as a blown fuse. An awful lot of assumption is going on here. Does the car start and run? Have you put a meter on it? I'm guessing no, if you don't even know where or what it is. Proper diagnosis should be done before assuming something, it would suck to go to all the trouble of R&R'ing the alt, only to find you have the same problem. Just throwing money at it isn't the answer. You want to do the work yourself. Kudos to you for that. The key is learning how to do it. Google is your friend. Get a FSM. Both will help you to properly diagnose most issues you are having. These two things will help you greatly in the future. I know that doesn't help with your current dilemma, but maybe you should try to find a ride to work today, and do further research into diagnosing the actual problem. Dual Lincolns.

 

Looks like your serpentine belt is worn. That would explain the squealing and the alternator as the alternator runs off it. I'd try to retention or replace that before replacing the alternator. When my alternator bit the dust it was evident and I got no power at all. My serpentine belt was loose after I replaced it and I received the same symptoms you are describing.

 

Ok, the battery was completely shot. Should I go to Advance Auto before replacing alternator. I am pretty in tune with my car but it won't hurt to double-check.

 

My serpentine belt is not worn. I just replaced it in July 2013

 

No the car does not start and run. It won't turn over completely.

 

Replace the battery, and clean all the connections. Then, see if the alternator is charging.

 

I just had the battery charged. And the car won't start. Also, the battery is less than 3 years old.

 

Then your alternator isn't the problem...

What's the voltage on the battery?

You say it won't start. Will it try to start or it does nothing when you turn the key?

 

I'm pretty sure it's the alternator. I don't know the voltage on the battery but it was fully charged at Advance Auto. The car will try to turn over but it won't.